Reversible squatting toilet stool

ABSTRACT

A reversible squatting toilet stool includes a base, a top surface, and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface. The top surface includes a first foot member, a second foot member, and a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member. The middle member is connected to each of the first and the second foot members such that a plurality of openings are formed by the plurality of foot members and the middle member. Each of the plurality of openings are configured to receive into it a base of a toilet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to stools and, more particularly, to a reversible squatting toilet stool.

BACKGROUND

The potential strain caused by a bowel movement may be eased by taking a squatting posture during the bowel movement. However, current toilet designs do not facilitate a user's squatting posture. Therefore, it is desire to provide an apparatus that facilitates a user's squatting posture while the user is seated on a toilet.

In addition to taking a squatting posture, a user may also find it comfortable to point his or her feet angled up or down during the bowel movement. Therefore, it is desired to provide an apparatus that positions a user's feet angled up or down. Further, it is desired to provide one apparatus that can be used to position a user's feet in both of these positions.

Also, it may be dangerous for a user to stand on a stool that is not designed to be stood on. Therefore, it is desired to provide an apparatus that discourages a user from standing on it.

The present disclosure is directed to overcoming these and other problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing methods, systems, and apparatuses related to a reversible squatting toilet stool.

In an exemplary embodiment, a reversible squatting toilet stool includes a base, a top surface, and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface. The top surface includes a first foot member, a second foot member, and a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member. The middle member is connected to each of the first and the second foot members such that a plurality of openings are formed by the plurality of foot members and the middle member. Each of the plurality of openings are configured to receive into it a base of a toilet.

In another exemplary embodiment, a squatting toilet stool includes a base, a top surface comprising a domed surface to prevent a user from standing on the top surface, and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a squatting toilet stool comprises a base, a top surface, and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface. The top surface includes a first foot member, a second foot member, and a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member. The middle member is connected to the first foot member and the second foot member such that an opening is formed by the first foot member, the second foot member, and the middle member. The opening is configured to receive into it a base of a toilet.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool in a “Feet Angled Up” position;

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool in a “Feet Angled Down” position;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool stored underneath the bowl of the toilet;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool stored underneath the bowl of the toilet;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a reversible squatting toilet stool. The reversible squatting toilet stool is a posture-changing device that allows a person to squat on the toilet to help ease potential strain from a bowel movement. As described in further detail below, the squatting toilet stool can have an angled top surface. The reversible squatting toilet stool can also be reversible such that it can be used to either angle a user's feet up or down. The reversible squatting toilet stool can also have a domed top surface to discourage a user from standing on it.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool. As shown in FIG. 1 , the toilet stool 10 can include a base 11, a top surface 12, and two stool legs 13 a, 13 b connecting the base 11 to the top surface 12. The base 11 can be the portion of the toilet stool 10 that interfaces with the ground.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool. The top surface 12 can include two foot members 21 a, 21 b and a middle member 22. The two foot members 21 a, 21 b can be connected to each other by the middle member 22. When the toilet stool 10 is positioned proximate a toilet, a user seated on the toilet can place one foot on each foot member 21 a, 21 b.

The middle member 22 can be connected to the two foot members 21 a, 21 b such that an opening 40 a is formed by the two foot members 21 a, 21 b and the middle member 40 a. The opening 40 a can be sized and configured such that a base of a toilet can be received into the opening 40 a such that the toilet stool 10 can hug the contour of the toilet bowl, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . This configuration allows the toilet stool 10 to be stored at least partially underneath the bowl of the toilet.

In an embodiment, the toilet stool 10 can be reversible. The two foot members 21 a, 21 b and the middle member 22 can be arranged substantially in the shape of an “H,” as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In this configuration, two openings 40 a, 40 b can be formed 180° degrees from each other. Each of the openings 40 a, 40 b can be sized and configured such that a base of a toilet can be received into the opening such that the toilet stool can straddle the base of the toilet and be stored at least partially underneath the bowl of the toilet, as described above.

In some embodiments, the toilet stool is sized to fit in a bathroom. For example, in some embodiments, the toilet stool can be 12.25″ long×20.25″ wide×7.75″ high and can weigh about 2.0 lbs.

In an embodiment, the middle member 22 can be connected to each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b such that the depth of the first opening 40 a is substantially the same as the depth of the second opening 40 b. In other words, the middle member 22 can be connected to each the foot members 21 a, 21 b at substantially the center of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. However, the subject matter herein is not so limited. Instead, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the first opening 40 a can be more deep or less deep than the second opening 40 b, and vice-versa. Such configurations can be achieved by connecting the middle member 22 to each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b at a location offset from the center of the foot member.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 , in an embodiment, the foot members 21 a, 21 b are not perpendicular with the middle member 22, but are instead slightly angled with respect to the middle member 22. In such a configuration, the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be angled outwardly into the first opening 40 a and angled inwardly into the second opening 40 b.

Although the embodiments described herein illustrate each foot member 21 a, 21 b being mirror images of each other, the subject matter herein is not so limited. Instead, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the first foot member 21 a, 21 b can be different from the second foot member 21 a, 21 b. For example, the first member 21 a can be longer, shorter, narrower, or wider than the second foot member 21 b.

Although the embodiments described herein illustrate that the edge of the first foot member 21 a does not extend past the edge of the second foot member 21 b, the subject matter herein is not so limited. Instead, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, one foot member can extend past the edge of the other foot member. This can be caused, for example, when the first foot member 21 a is longer than the second foot member 21 b, or vice-versa. Or, for example, because the middle member 22 is connected to the first foot member 21 b at a different location along the length of the first member 21 b than it is connected to the second foot member 21 b.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool. As shown in FIG. 3 , in an embodiment, the top surface 12 can be angled with respect to a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the top surface 12 can be angled between 0° and 30° with respect to a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the top surface 12 can be angled 8° with respect to a horizontal plane. However, the subject matter disclosed herein is not so limited. Instead, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, a greater or lesser angle is possible.

The angled top surface allows for two positions: “Feet Angled Up” in a first position where the top surface 12 of the foot members 21 a and 21 b is angled upwards as the top surface 12 extends away from the toilet such that a user's toes will be higher than the user's heels; and “Feet Angled Down” in a second position where the top surface 12 of the foot members 21 a and 21 b is angled downwards as the top surface extends away from the toilet such that a user's toes will be lower than the user's heels, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

In some embodiments, the top surface 12 of the toilet stool 10 can be curved or domed to discourage a user from standing on the top surface 12 of the stool 10. In some embodiments, the top surface can be domed at each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In some embodiments, the top surface 12 can be domed at the foot members 21 a, 21 b transversely, i.e. along the width of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In some embodiments, the top surface of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be domed transversely. In other embodiments, the top surface of only one of the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be domed transversely. FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet stool 10 with the top surface of the foot members 21 a, 21 b domed transversely. FIG. 10 includes two lines offset from the top surface 12. These two lines illustrate the curative or dome of the top surface of the foot members 21, 21 b.

In some embodiments, the top surface 12 can be domed at the foot members 21 a, 21 b longitudinally, i.e. along the length of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In some embodiments, the top surface of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be domed longitudinally. In other embodiments, the top surface of only one of the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be domed longitudinally. FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet stool 10 with the top surface of the foot members 21 a, 21 b domed longitudinally. FIG. 11 includes a line offset from the top surface 12. This line illustrates the curative or dome of the top surface of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In some embodiments, the foot members 21 a, 21 b can be domed transversely and longitudinally.

In some embodiments, the radius of the dome can be so large that the top surface 12 appears flat from a distance, but small enough that a user is discouraged from standing on the stool 10. In some embodiments, the radius of the transversal dome can be the same as the radius of the longitudinal dome. In other embodiments, the radius of the transversal dome is different than the radius of the longitudinal dome. For example, the radius of the transversal dome shown in FIG. 10 is greater than the radius of the longitudinal dome shown in FIG. 11 .

In some embodiments, the peak of the dome can have a height of 10-14 mm measured from the top of one of the stool legs 13 a, 13 b. In some embodiments, the peak of the dome can have a height of 12 mm measured from the top of one of the stool legs 13 a, 13 b. In some embodiments, the height of the peak of the dome of one foot member can be the same as the peak of the dome of the other foot member. In other embodiments, the height of the peak of the dome of one foot member can be different than the height of the peak of the other foot member. In some embodiments, the peak of the dome can be located at substantially the center of the foot member. In other embodiments, the peak of the dome can be located at a location not substantially at the center of the foot member.

In some embodiments, the location where the top surface 12 meets the top of the stool leg can have a chamfer, as illustrated in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the top surface 12 can have a domed surface and a chamfer. In some embodiments, the domed surface continues until it nears the edge of the stool 10, where the angle increases until the top surface of the foot member reaches the top of one of the stool legs 13 a, 13 b. In some embodiments, the angle of the chamber is the same along the width of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b and along the length of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In other embodiments, the angle of the chamfer is different along the width of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b and along the length of each of the foot members 21 a, 21 b. In some embodiments, the overall surface finish of the toilet stool 10 can have a texture 23 on the top surface 12. In another embodiment, the top surface may have a glossy finish. The entire surface of the top surface 12 can have a texture 23 or only a part of the top surface 12 can have a texture 23. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, only the foot members 21 a, 21 b have a texture 23.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool. As shown in FIG. 5 , in an embodiment, the middle member 22 can have side walls 32 that extend vertically downward from the top surface 12 of the middle member 22 towards the base 11. In some embodiments, the middle member side walls 32 can extend all the way down to the base 11. In other embodiments, the middle member side walls 32 do not extend all the way down to the base 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In such an embodiment, an opening 50 is formed by a bottom edge 33 of middle member side walls 32, and inner edges 34 a, 34 b of the foot member side walls 31 a, 31 b. A benefit of providing an opening 50 is it reduces materials, resulting in and cost savings and reducing the weight of the toilet stool 10.

Similarly, in an embodiment, the foot members 21 a, 21 b can have foot member side walls 31 a, 31 b that can extend vertically downward towards and connect to the base 11. The foot member side walls 31 a, 31 b extend all the way down to the base 11 and, in doing so, connect the top surface 12 to the base 11. In such embodiments, the foot member side walls 31 a, 31 b can be the stool legs 13 a, 13 b, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversible squatting toilet stool. As shown in FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the toilet stool 10 can have non-slip or non-skid feet 14 to help prevent the toilet stool 10 from moving during use. In some embodiments, the non-slip or non-skid feet 14 can be made of thermoplastic rubber. In some embodiments, the non-slip or non-skid feet 14 can be press-fit into cavities each stool leg 13 a, 13 b and can be held in place by friction.

In some embodiments, the toilet stool 10 can include structural ribbing 15 to improve the strength of the stool. In some embodiments, the stool can support 250 lbs.

In some embodiments, the toilet stool 10 can be made by injection modeling using polypropylene. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial can be embedded in the polypropylene. The antimicrobial can provide added protection against stain and odor causing bacteria.

While various illustrative embodiments incorporating the principles of the present teachings have been disclosed, the present teachings are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present teachings and use its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure that are within known or customary practice in the art to which these teachings pertain.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the present disclosure are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that various features of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various features. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

In addition, even if a specific number is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, sample embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, et cetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, et cetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 components refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 components. Similarly, a group having 1-5 components refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 components, and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments. 

We claim:
 1. A reversible squatting toilet stool comprising: a base; a top surface comprising: a first foot member and a second foot member, a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member, wherein the middle member is connected to each of the first and the second foot members such that a plurality of openings are formed by the plurality of foot members and the middle member, wherein each of the plurality of openings are configured to receive into it a base of a toilet; and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface.
 2. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the middle member is connected to the first foot member and the second foot member such that the first foot member and the second foot member extend outwardly from the middle member to form a first opening between the first foot member, the second foot member, and the middle member and extend outwardly from the middle member in substantially an opposite direct to form a second opening between the first foot member, the second foot member, and the middle member.
 3. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 2, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are angled inwardly with respect to the middle member to form the first opening and angled outwardly with respect to the middle member to form the second opening.
 4. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the top surface is angled with respect to a bottom plane of the base, which is configured to engage a floor adjacent to the toilet.
 5. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a domed surface configured to prevent a user from standing on the top surface.
 6. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a texture surface proximate the plurality of foot members.
 7. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the middle member further comprises a side wall vertically extending downward from the middle portion toward the base.
 8. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the first foot member comprises a vertically extending side wall connecting the first foot member to the base to form one of the plurality of stool legs.
 9. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 8, wherein the middle member further comprises a side wall vertically extending from the middle portion toward the base, wherein the squatting toilet stool further comprises structural ribbing on an underside of the top surface.
 10. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, wherein the squatting toilet stool is injection molded.
 11. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 10, wherein the squatting toilet stool comprises polypropylene.
 12. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 11, wherein the squatting toilet stool comprises an antimicrobial embedded in the polypropylene.
 13. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of non-skid feet connected a bottom surface of the base.
 14. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 13, wherein the plurality of non-skid feet comprises thermoplastic rubber.
 15. The reversible squatting toilet stool of claim 13, wherein one of the plurality of non-skid feet are press-fit into a bottom surface of the at least one stool leg and held in-place by friction.
 16. A squatting toilet stool comprising: a base; a top surface comprising a domed surface to prevent a user from standing on the top surface; and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface.
 17. The squatting toilet stool of claim 16, wherein the top surface further comprises: a first foot member and a second foot member; and a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member, wherein the middle member is connected to the first foot member and the second foot member such that an opening is formed by the first foot member, the second foot member, and the middle member, wherein the opening is configured to receive into it a base of a toilet, wherein the top surface comprises a domed surface to prevent a user from standing on the top surface.
 18. A squatting toilet stool comprising: a base; a top surface comprising: a first foot member and a second foot member; and a middle member comprising a first end connected to the first foot member and a second end connected to the second foot member, wherein the middle member is connected to the first foot member and the second foot member such that an opening is formed by the first foot member, the second foot member, and the middle member, wherein the opening is configured to receive into it a base of a toilet, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are angled with respect to the middle member; and a plurality of stool legs connecting the base to the top surface.
 19. The squatting toilet stool of claim 18, wherein each of the first foot member and the second foot member are angled inwardly with respect to the middle member.
 20. The squatting toilet stool of claim 18, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are angled outwardly with respect to the middle member. 